books, thoughts, stories, poetry, interviews, writing

After an unusually lazy and inactive summer, at least blog-wise, for me, who better to give you a proper push than a hard-working editor, publisher, writer and female force – Claire Plaisted. This amazing lady has tagged me in this new blogger challenge, and knowing how tough she can be, I thought I’d better respond:).

Each time this blog is posted it is updated by the recipient in conjunction with the TOPIC stated at the end by the last person. For me, the topic given by Claire is HAPPINESS.

The rules of the challenge…

• Thank the selector• Post 2 quotes for the dedicated topic of the day• Select 3 bloggers to take part in ‘3.2.1 Quote Me Challenge’ and give them a topic/word

Number One – The Selector

Claire Plaisted, executive director of Plaisted Publishing, is a worldwide force in the writing world whom I have been privileged to meet through the Facebook group Awethors several years ago. She is a dedicated hardworker who perseveres in overcoming obstacles, acquiring new skills, constantly perfecting her work and that of others. Claire is a role model for lifelong learning and a family woman, too, and on top of it all – a kind lady. She writes stories, edits, promotes books, publishes a free magazine to promote indie writers, and organizes projects which involve other writers. One such project, which brought a lot of HAPPINESS to my life, was A Treasure Chest of Children’s Stories, an anthology in which Claire not only invited me to participate, but also allowed me to invite my goddaughter, Helena Čačić, a talented young writer, to join the forces and produce a wonderful story about a girl and a unicorn. This was Helena’s first published work in English and it makes the HAPPINESS that much greater. Thank you, Claire. Keep being your phenomenal self!

Number Two – Quotes

1. “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” J.K. Rowling

This is possibly one of my all-time favourite quotes. It points to how much the key to our happiness lies within us, and how dwelling in self-pity never solves anything. All it takes is just a little flicker of light. Step by step, flicker by flicker, day by day, smile by smile.

2. “For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Those who know me know this – I will always try not to waste time on being angry, laying blame and dwelling over the issue. Better solve the problem as best we can and get on with our lives. No point in wasting time on rage.

Number Three – Three Bloggers

Elizabeth Horton Newton, who can be foundHEREDM Cain, who can be foundHEREKaren J Mossman , who can be foundHERE

Something lies in the shadows…
As our history writes its story,
while our lives begin and progress,
it never seeks fame or glory.

Something lies in the shadows…
And scares those who don’t understand.
Some know it but choose to avoid it
And into this fake light they blend.

Something lies in the shadows…
While so many tired and lost
Hope and pray for its presence,
As we pay our daily life’s cost.

But not all we do seldom is hard,
Not all that is hidden is bad,
Not all without spotlight is silly,
Not everything simple is sad.

In the shadows, surprising but constant,
Like sunlight beneath a fog veil,
Like a Christmas carol in the distance –
Kindness waits to regale.

And just as you feel you are low,
And no lower levels exist,
Some shimmer of kindness appears
And makes you fight back and persist.

A random act of kindness,
Unexpected, unasked for, so warm,
Lets you breathe a bit more easily
And quiets your worried mind’s storm.

Just a note or a poem or letter,
A gesture, a present, a smile…
Offered by someone in the shadows
Whose kindness makes you feel like a child.

Shadow people – that’s what I call them,
ordinary superheroes they are,
Selfless and never complaining,
Not asking for a silver star.

Just everyday people around us
Who haven’t forgotten their souls,
Whose ears aren’t deafened by hurry,
Who hear their friends’ worried calls.

Kindness still lies in the shadows.
Let’s fight that it always survives.
May we proudly show it whenever
Let it constantly colour our lives.

This poem is five years old, and despite the fact that I would now probably edit it for rhythm and style, I still agree with the message. Thanks to all kind people out there, be they in the spotlight or in the shadow.